Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55
nchristi
Moderator
Global user (premium)
Registered: 03-2004
Location: Hotel California
Posts: 8809
|
|
Quote
|
|
Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
class blockquote Hiroshi66 wrote:
Back in Satsuma...
I don't know, I found myself very disappointed in Saigo's character. I didn't understand what the point was of suggesting Okubo to come with him to Kumamoto. Okubo was asked to leave after a minute of being present at the meeting, so I wonder why Saigo had him come in the first place. Were his intentions good, even though they backfired? Or was it perhaps an attempt by Saigo to show off his position as a trusted retainer of Nariakira? I felt the same way, Hiroshi, so I had to go back and rewatch those scenes. In the second viewing, it was clear that the Kumamato guy is the one who gave the silent signal with his eyes to Saigo to get rid of Okubo because he wanted to say something confidential about Nariakira. Something we didn't get to hear, either!
If Saigo had known such a deep insult to Okubo was possible, I don't think he would have invited him along in the first place. Saigo has never struck me as being too swift mentally or intuitively, but he is very sensitive to being kind and respectful to his family and friends. I think he felt bad for Okubo but there really wasn't anything he could say or do once the Kumamato lord wanted Okubo out of the room and left the dirty deed to Saigo to accomplish.
In Japanese culture, it seems it might have been even more insulting if Saigo had brought up the offense later, like when they parted ways at the crossroads. It was a terrible insult to Okubo, no doubt about it. But as I said above, what could Saigo say or do after the fact? I only hope Okubo realized it was the Kumamato lord, not Saigo, who dismissed him from their meeting.
Iesada was the exact opposite in his "diplomatic" abilities. He handled his mother perfectly. His gesture of essentially pushing her away from him as she clasped his hand in both of hers cut the parental string (leash?) she had on him. Following up with the most loving words and expression of appreciation for her lifelong care and protection of his life until now, then telling her he was an adult now and that responsibility has now shifted from her parenting him to his protecting and caring for his elderly mother was masterful. (He certainly has learned to use his "fool" facade perfectly, too!)
I'm also glad to see Atsu express herself to Ikushima that it is an insult to her (Atsu's) life and very being to say her only purpose and value is to accomplish "Yoshinobu." It was also encouraging to see the Ooku and Ikushima have not made Atsu brain dead yet. Though submerged in the value that "form" is everything, Atsu still sees "substance," and acts in accord with that value. She clearly sees that her husband's view and assessment of Yoshinobu is more correct than Nariakira's and that the war of Who gets to be the next heir? is, indeed, a futile one.
The ending scenes between Atsu and Iesada were very endearing. Living in that suffocating, ritualistic life of the Ooku, Atsu would have nothing that she values if it weren't for the genuine relationship she and Isesada share.
I feel sorry for Iesada's concubine, too. Since there never was any physical relationship going on there (or anywhere), all she had was "play time" with him. Now that Iesada has a woman with whom he can really be himself and discuss matters on a level that only Atsu can comprehend—a woman of whom he is very fond and enjoys her company—can he ever really return to the concubine? I suppose so, just to sleep in the room for the night, but other than that she's no replacement for Atsu, that's for sure. class blockquote I wonder what was in Nariakira's letter that he gave to Saigo to deliver to Atsu. Me, too! Since Nariakira is upping the anti by some action he has refrained from all this time, I wonder what it could be?! I hope it isn't something that will harm Atsu in some way, or backfire on her. It just doesn't seem promising that a) Iesada can be manuvered to change his mind; and b) that Atsu will even agree to promoting Yoshinobu since she is agreeing with Iesada about Yoshinobu being a poor choice as heir.
|
|
8/4/2008, 4:14 pm
|
|
Hiroshi66
Moderator
Global user (premium)
Registered: 02-2004
Location: Northridge, California
Posts: 8795
|
|
Quote
|
|
Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
Atsu-hime 26 - The Petition
 
Wow, last night's episode was sure packed with a lot of action. I noticed that we didn't get to see a whole lot of Atsu (she was mostly in the beginning and towards the end of the episode). But I guess the writers wanted to cover in more detail the dispute over the shogunal succession, especially since push came to shove in last night's episode.
I'm glad that Atsu and Shogun Iesada were once again on good terms at the end of the episode. I think the only reason that Atsu once again asked Iesada to name Yoshinobu as his heir was because she was feeling pressured due to the petition that Nariakira sent. Desperate times equals desperate measures... Atsu probably thought she would give it one more try. I'm glad that at the end, Iesada understood Atsu's dilemma – and the two of them were once more laughing and joking together just like usual.
My favorite scene was when Iesada was presiding over the various samurai who were discussing opening the country and bickering amongst themselves. Their bickering was causing Iesada not to hear Hotta (who was briefing him on the situation), so Iesada shouted “Settle down!”, causing them all to look at the shogun in shock and surprise. Iesada was right… since everybody thinks of him as a fool, when he for once asserts his authority, everybody will listen.
By writing that petition and submitting it to the Tokugawa regime in Edo, though, Nariakira has surfaced as the effective head of the Hitotsubashi faction. I think that after Abe died and the Lord of Mito retired, Nariakira is the only one left who is suitable to lead the faction in Yoshinobu’s favor. Plus, he’s all the way in Satsuma, so he’s able to lead the faction without being under constant control and surveillance in Edo.
The Yo****omi faction did score a victory in Kyoto, though. It seems that even though Nariakira had Saigo try to go and gather support amongst the various lords, Ii Naosuke was always one step ahead of the game. By the end of the episode, Ii was even able to get the court to stay out of the succession dispute, having them state that the matter of choosing an heir was a “Tokugawa matter” and that the court has nothing to do with it. I wonder what the Yoshinobu supporters will do now. I liked that scene where Saigo heard the news in Edo that the court had refused to back Yoshinobu… Saigo bolted out of the room, went outside, got down on his hands and knees, and begged for forgiveness from Nariakira (even though the lord was all the way in Satsuma). Saigo truly feels much respect and loyalty for Nariakira.
Back in Satsuma…
Naogoro seems to have gotten a promotion… Nariakira now wants him to start planning a Western-style military for Satsuma. It still seems that Naogoro is still troubled about Atsu-hime in the Ooku. I was surprised that Nariakira was so open and honest in answering all the questions Naogoro had. That’s one thing I like about him – no matter what is asked of him (even if the questions are rather probing), he always gives an honest answer without flying into a rage. Naogoro was pretty brave to tell Nariakira that his loyalty was faltering.
We’re now in March of 1858… the shogunal succession dispute is still in full force, and it seems like the Yoshinobu supporters are refusing to give up. And there’s still that debate over opening the country to commerce and trade. I like Atsu’s new decision though… she told Shogun Iesada that she is not going to support neither Yo****omi nor Yoshinobu until she is certain who is more suitable to be heir. Great episode last night.
Episode 27 airs next week!
|
|
8/10/2008, 8:23 am
|
|
brad6
Member
Global user
Registered: 07-2004
Posts: 2266
|
|
Quote
|
|
Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
I noticed a little something last night when Atsu was at the door and Ieasada turned to call her in. He seemed to falter a little as he arose class reveal  class spoiler and I wondered if this is the beginning of his last illness. It was so slight that at first I thought he was just caught up in his robe. Decided that would have been an NG and scenes repeated. So I think it was a real part of the moment.
It will be interesting to see how Atsu fares if she is left alone. class reveal class spoiler Does she not inherit the top position in the Ooku at that point??
Peg
Last edited by Hiroshi66, 8/10/2008, 10:36 am
|
|
8/10/2008, 9:47 am
|
|
nchristi
Moderator
Global user (premium)
Registered: 03-2004
Location: Hotel California
Posts: 8809
|
|
Quote
|
|
Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
Very good episode. Again.
Atsu betrayed Iesada and herself by not being "true." His leaving and pausing with his back to her then saying I thought you were a woman I could trust may have been pretty direct by Japanese standards. However, he was absolutely right to do so and it drove home the lesson to Atsuhime of the magnitude of what she just did and consequently lost. Since Iesada had a lifetime of court intrigues, poisonings, etc., for him to open himself up to her as much as he had was a huge thing. I'm sure it was a major blow to his trust, affection, and respect for her that she not only threw him to the wolves but also lied in trying to accomplish Nariakira's orders.
If the chronological flow was correct in the story last night, it was three months before Iesada called for Atsuhime. I noticed right away that he was faltering as he tried to stand up. I'm sure his emotional state of deep disappointment in Atsuhime, the loss of her company and closeness for three months, would have taken its toll on him physically. If he's getting ill, I'm sure he realized being estranged from her wasn't worth it and wanted to make amends with her. His way of dealing with her, and apologizing, was very kind and sweet. Loved the scenes when he came dangerously close to her that night and her tickling him to break the awkward moment.
In another direction, this episode made me appreciate the depth of responsibility the Japanese feel in accomplishing an order/task from their lord (their parents, et al). Perhaps I should word that the other way round: The depth of responsibility, shame and guilt they feel in failing to accomplish something or in disappointing a respected one is overwhelming. Thus Atsu's embarrassment and shame at Nariakira's petition and Saigo's actions at "his" failure to have things turn out the way Nariakira had ordered.
Naogoro. That was quite a scene where he put Nariakira's feet to the proverbial fire. Having loved Atsu so deeply since he was a child, I'm sure he is in "pain" realizing that basically Nariakira has used her all along simply for political reasons and now she's caught in a deadly political crossfire.
I wanted to stick a sock (make that a tabi) in Lady Ikushima's mouth last night, but am happy to see Atsuhime regain her balance, determined to follow her own heart henceforth, as she declared to Iesada.
|
|
8/10/2008, 5:15 pm
|
|
Hiroshi66
Moderator
Global user (premium)
Registered: 02-2004
Location: Northridge, California
Posts: 8795
|
|
Quote
|
|
Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
class blockquote nchristi wrote:
I wanted to stick a sock (make that a tabi) in Lady Ikushima's mouth last night, but am happy to see Atsuhime regain her balance, determined to follow her own heart henceforth, as she declared to Iesada. LOL, me too! I couldn't believe Ikushima still had the audacity to ask Atsu to once more try to convince Iesada to name Yoshinobu as his heir. I think she made that comment during the period where Iesada wasn't speaking to Atsu... so it must have made Atsu feel driven into a corner. I'm also glad she was able to make her own decision about the shogunal succession. Rather than blindly follow Nariakira's orders, she is going to make her own decision based on her judgement, not anyone else's.
I wonder where Okubo was. We didn't see him at all in last night's episode. But since Saigo is now in charge of gaining supporters for Yoshinobu, and since Naogoro is in charge of organizing a Western-style army for Satsuma, Okubo is, sadly, once again left out of the political scheme.
|
|
8/10/2008, 7:10 pm
|
|
Hiroshi66
Moderator
Global user (premium)
Registered: 02-2004
Location: Northridge, California
Posts: 8795
|
|
Quote
|
|
Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
Atsu-hime 27 - The Wife of a Tokugawa
 
I liked last night's episode, mainly because of all the scenes with Atsu and Shogun Iesada. The depiction of their relationship is one of my favorite elements of this drama. At first, I was weary of how the marriage would turn out, but they have truly learned to love and respect each other. Atsu has learned how to live as a member of the Tokugawa family, fully supporting and backing her husband's decisions and beliefs (even if they conflict with those of her father Nariakira and also with Ikushima).
Iesada, meanwhile, has learned to truly love Atsu. I liked the scene where he told Atsu that the reason he ended up choosing Yo****omi as his heir as because of his young age -- Atsu would be able to act as his political advisor and also as his guardian. It would be harder to take that position with Yoshinobu, who was older and more politically adept. But maybe the Tokugawa succession dispute has drawn to a close -- since Lord Ii Naosuke is now the Chief Minister and since Iesada disclosed his intention to name Yo****omi as heir. Atsu stated that she will fully support Iesada on any decision he makes, so maybe the battle is over?
Ikushima... wow! She came down pretty hard on Takiyama during the beginning of the episode. I was surprised when Takiyama snapped at her and ordered her to refrain, especially since Takiyama is always calm, cool, and collected. She is technically Ikushima's boss, though, since she manages the Ooku. But on the other hand, I suppose I can see why Ikushima was so passionately pushing Atsu to convince Iesada on the heir issue all these years. Like Saigo, she must feel vexed at the very idea of not carrying out Nariakira's orders to his liking, and she also can't deal with the idea of failing at her mission after devoting six years to moving to Satsuma to train Atsu, following her to Edo, and even living in the Ooku.
I liked the scene of Atsu "escaping" from the Ooku. It must have been unprecedented for Atsu (or even Ikushima) to have left the Ooku and went to the front quarters of Edo Castle. Good thing Lady Honjuin wasn't there... she probably would have went beserk, LOL!
At the beginning of the episode, I couldn't believe there was yet another succession dispute, this time for the post of the Tairo (Chief Minister). Yo****omi's supporters (and especially the Ooku) were pushing for Ii Naosuke, who wanted to maintain the status quo and the prestige of the Tokugawa family. Yoshinobu's supporters (including Nariakira) pushed for Matsudaira Yoshinaga. I think we've seen Yoshinaga in previous episodes -- he usually accompanied Abe. Yoshinaga's views on administration was to have all the feudal clans on equal footing and participate equally in administration.
I wasn't surprised with Iesada's decision to choose Ii Naosuke. As Iesada put it, if Yoshinaga was chosen, he would have reduced the status of the Tokugawa family to a mere feudal clan. So by April 1858, Ii Naosuke was named as the Tairo (Chief Minister).
Back in Satsuma...
It looks like the young samurai of Satsuma are becoming restless and frustrated with the Tokugawa regime. That scene with all those young samurai voicing their desires to go to Edo took place in Okubo's residence. I guess he is beginning to find a place for himself.
I wonder why Nariakira was in such a nostalgic mood. He wrote a letter to Atsu (which she never read!) and told Naogoro that he felt it would be his last letter to her. I wonder why his words have such an ominous tone and feel to them. Despite all the hardships he put Atsu through, I think that he truly did love her as his daughter.
We're still in late April of 1858. Ii Naosuke was named Tairo, and Shogun Iesada privately disclosed to Atsu that he is going to name Yo****omi as his heir - and Atsu wholeheartedly will support his decision. I wonder if she will read Nariakira's letter?
Episode 28 airs next week!
|
|
8/17/2008, 6:25 am
|
|
Add a reply
Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55
Link to us
- Blogs
- Hall of Honour
- Chat
|
You are not logged in (login)
11/29/2009, 4:10 am
|
|
|
Las Vegas Vacations